Illinois Train and Railroad Negligence Lawsuits

Every year, thousands of passenger and freight trains pass through Chicago. The state of Illinois is a central hub for railroad traffic originating throughout the country, and even internationally from Canada and Mexico. Millions rely on trains every day, including manufacturers shipping and receiving goods, hazardous materials and natural resources such as oil, coal and lumber; commuters riding public transportation systems; and people travelling the U.S. on Amtrak trains.

Railroad passengers, along with those sharing their roads and surroundings with train tracks, trust that train operators are properly licensed, well-rested and able to perform their duties in the safest way possible to protect the safety of those around them. Passengers and others also trust that trains are properly inspected and that all parts are carefully manufactured and fully operational. However, as we hear or read about in the news, railroad accidents and derailments do happen, and oftentimes these accidents are the result of negligence on the part of the train operator or workers, the company that owns the train, or the train’s manufacturer. When passengers or people nearby suffer serious injury or death as a result of a railroad accident or train derailment, they may be able to take action to hold any and all wrongdoers accountable.

For over 20 years, our Cook County lawyers have fought to bring justice to accident victims. Common types of railroad accidents include:

Chicago Transit Authority and Metra trains

Freight and cargo trains

Train derailment accidents

Accidents at railroad crossings

There are a number of scenarios where one may file a railroad accident lawsuit in Cook County. Some lawsuits involve accidents that take place in the City of Chicago or the surrounding areas. In other cases, a lawsuit may be brought against defendants headquartered in Chicago or Cook County. As attorneys, it is our duty to help victims and families determine the best venue for their railroad accident lawsuit to be filed to maximize compensation for the harms caused to them.

Illinois railroad accidents are common, and due to the sheer size of railroad cars and the freight they carry, the injuries involved can be very serious and even life-threatening. Train accident victims not only suffer devastating physical injuries requiring ongoing medical care, but may also lose the ability to work or earn income. The families of those killed in train derailments or accidents must not only cope with the sudden and tragic loss of a loved one, but also face funeral expenses and the loss of financial support from the deceased.

Victims of railroad negligence may be entitled to compensation, but it is crucial to take legal action early to protect your rights. When seeking the guidance of an Illinois train accident attorney, one should choose a firm that has the experience and resources to go up against the large companies and corporations who own and operate freight and passenger trains. For over 20 years, our accident lawyers have fought against individuals, corporations and insurance companies to protect the rights of victims of negligence. We are proud to have recovered millions in verdicts and settlements clients, including a number of record results.

If you have been seriously injured or lost a loved one in a railroad accident or train derailment, we are here to help. Call us at 312-332-2872, email us at questions@levinperconti.com or complete our website contact form for a free case consultation. During this call, one of our attorneys can evaluate your case and advise you of the legal options available to you. Consultations are free, and if we accept your case, you will not pay us fees until or unless we receive a verdict or settlement in your favor.

We serve the following localities: Cook County including Arlington Heights, Barrington, Berwyn Township, Chicago, Des Plaines, Glenview, Orland Park, Palos Park, Schaumburg, and Tinley Park; DuPage County including Downers Grove, Naperville, and Bolingbrook; Kane County including Aurora, Elgin and Geneva; Lake County including Waukegan; and Will County including Joliet.